Fave Or Fail: La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Review

When the colder months roll in, my skin tends to take the hit first with dryness, irritation, the occasional breakout, and that uncomfortable, tight feeling that no regular moisturiser seems able to fix. So winter felt like the perfect time to finally put the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 to the test. Known for its soothing, repairing properties, it’s a product I’ve seen recommended everywhere from dermatology circles to beauty TikTok. But is it truly worth the hype?

Below, my honest La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 review: texture, performance, pros, cons and whether it’s a fave or fail.

What Is Cicaplast Baume B5 And What Does It Claim To Do?

At its core, Cicaplast Baume B5 is a multi-purpose barrier-repairing balm. It’s designed for skin that’s irritated, damaged, or in need of extra care, like post-procedure, post-breakout, windburn, dryness, chafing, or general sensitivity.

The “B5” refers to Panthenol (Vitamin B5), a well-loved humectant known for its ability to soothe, hydrate and support skin repair. Combined with Madecassoside (a calming compound derived from Centella Asiatica), Shea Butter, and La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water, the formula works to reduce redness, relieve irritation and strengthen the moisture barrier.

Importantly, it’s not marketed as a traditional moisturiser. Instead, it’s a treatment balm meant to comfort compromised skin, the type of product you keep in your skincare arsenal for when your face needs rescuing.

My La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Review:

I started testing Cicaplast Baume B5 at what can only be described as the worst possible time for my skin, which, ironically, also made it the best testing ground. Winter had fully settled in, the heating was on constantly, cold wind was doing its best to strip every last drop of moisture from my face, and my barrier was not coping. My skin felt tight, flaky in places and generally temperamental. I was also dealing with a few small acne flare-ups and, to be completely honest, a couple of picked spots I knew I’d regret later. So the conditions were primed for a product that claims to soothe, protect and help skin heal.

Texture & First Impressions

Right away, the texture stood out: a rich, creamy balm that feels almost medicinal in a good, reassuring way. It’s thick without being greasy, and has that comforting slip that makes applying it almost therapeutic. This is not a lightweight gel or fluffy moisturiser; it feels like a protective blanket for the skin. I used it nightly, sometimes as an all-over last step, other times just dabbing it onto areas that felt inflamed or vulnerable.

On The Skin: Immediate & Long-Term Effects

Within minutes of applying it, I noticed the first major benefit, which was instant relief. That tight, windburned feeling disappeared, and my skin genuinely felt calmer and more comfortable. It’s a product where the soothing effect isn’t just marketing language; you feel it happening in real time.

Over the next few nights, the long-term benefits became even more obvious:

• It deeply hydrates – not in a glossy, superficial way, but in a way that feels like your skin is drinking it in slowly. By morning, my complexion always felt plumper, softer and far less irritated.
• It helps to calm breakouts, especially the angry, inflamed kind that result from ill-advised picking. My spots looked less red and angry overnight, and new blemishes seemed to settle faster than usual. The added moisture also kept the area hydrated, which meant the spots healed with fewer marks.
• Redness reduction was significant. Areas around my nose and cheeks that usually flare up in cold weather were noticeably more even.
• It played well with the rest of my routine, which is a huge plus for sensitive skin. No stinging, no burning, no weird reactions, it just slipped in effortlessly.
• It’s incredibly versatile. I tried it on dry lips, a random patch of irritation on my chin, and even on my hands when they felt raw from washing. It worked just as well in those areas, which makes it feel like a true “rescue balm” rather than a single-purpose product.

As much as Cicaplast Baume B5 impressed me, it does come with a few quirks worth noting. The most noticeable is the white cast it can leave behind if you apply more than a small, pea-sized amount. A thin layer blends in fairly well, but anything heavier is visible, another reason it’s best reserved for evenings.

It also pills quite easily under makeup, which means it’s not ideal for daytime use unless you’re applying it very sparingly and only to targeted areas. Layering foundation, SPF or even a light primer on top tends to disrupt the finish. And while its richness is a huge benefit for dry, irritated or compromised skin, those with oily skin types may find it too heavy as an all-over daily moisturiser. In that case, it’s better used as a spot treatment on areas that feel inflamed, sensitive or in need of extra care.

Rating: 9.5/10

For me, this is a solid fave. Not because it’s glamorous or fun or instantly “glowy,” but because it works; reliably, consistently and across multiple concerns. It soothed irritation, sped up healing, comforted dry patches, and helped my skin recover from winter-related stress (and my not-so-great picking habits).

It’s one of those rare “keep it in your cupboard at all times” products that acts like a security blanket for your skin. If you’re prone to dryness, irritation, sensitivity or post-spot picking, this little tube is well worth a spot in your routine.

For more dry skin saviours like this La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 review, check out our guide on The Best Face Moisturiser For Dry Skin This Winter or browse through our dry skin products on sale.